De_Sam A film with ups and downs in a variety of ways; from the long takes to fast-cut slapstick scenes, from the snarky sarcasm aimed at television, radio, advertising companies (highlight is the opening credits, filled with satiric commercials that seem to have influenced Paul Verhoeven for his scenes in RoboCop) to the cliché, over-the- top happy ending that actually does not feel forced because of the whimsical atmosphere of the film. It really does feel like a live-action adaptation of a cartoon Tashlin had stuck in his head.Sadly several aspects grated my nerves, I know Jayne Mansfield was playing the same irritating satirical embodiment of '50s film stardom as she did in The Girl Can't Help It, it does not make it any less horrible to listen to. Especially when Betsy Drake begins imitating her. Some of the dialogue, specifically almost all of Henry Jones's lines, is so cringe-worthy it stops being satire and ends up being so-bad-it's-good if you can get over the sheer ridiculousness of sayings like 'solvy solved', the wit needed to make this kind of writing work is not present in a lot of the scenes. Tashlin tries to overcome this with including crude humour, which is very dated with all its sexist under- and overtones.In conclusion, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? is worth viewing solely on the basis of its unique character, just do not expect a witty commentary on the entertainment industry or an interesting plot.

mark.waltz A brilliant comedy that spoofs the world of advertising, publicity and fan worship. Tony Randall scores his greatest role as Rock Hunter, a staid advertising executive looking for the perfect image for a lipstick advertisement. Discovering that his niece is obsessed with movie star Rita Marlowe (Jayne Mansfield), he decides to get her to endorse the lipstick, hoping that it will get him in good with the stuffy head of the company, John Williams, who snubs him, bringing out the beast in thus mild mannered milquetoast. Mansfield not only agrees to endorse the lipstick, but creates a huge publicity scheme that makes everybody believe that Mansfield and Randall are in love. This is ultra upsetting to Randall's secretary/fiancée Betsy Drake and makes Randall's immediate supervisor (Henry Jones) wonder what Randall puts in his wheat germ to look like he does and all of a sudden become "lover boy", the sought after target of a group of determined fan girls.Ironically spoofing his friend Rock Hudson, Randall is both nebbish and sensual as the publicity turns him into somebody even he doesn't know. It is obvious who Mansfield is spoofing, and without making any names, she makes it very clear while gentlemen prefer blondes. Normally I can't stand the sound of female screeching (hawk calls I refer to them as), but when Mansfield does it, I can't help but roar in laughter.In fine support, Joan Blondell (once a popular blonde bombshell herself) is excellent as Mansfield's assistant, especially when she confides her own troubled romantic past. She provides a slew of wisecracks in the manner of her future "Grease" co-star, Eve Arden. Wearing little, sexy Mickey Hargitay is funny as a Tarzan style actor, complete with leading lady chimp, whom Mansfield insists he smelled like when he came to pick her up for their dates.Henry Jones also scores laughs as the dipsomaniac boss, creating guffaws by just pouring a morning martini, sending his daughter off to therapy and later, romancing Blondell. Look fast for Barbara Eden as a buxom secretary. While this might be considered a period piece as far as advertising industry is concerned today (as well as publicity for modern movie stars) it is one of the classic comedies of the 1950's. 20th Century Fox parodies their own publicity department, although it never once mentions the influential star whom Mansfield is spoofing. I can imagine the laughs that Mansfield must have gotten on Broadway, but like her first movie lead, you must admit, the girl can't help it.

edwagreen Absolutely ridiculous 1957 film where the glib advertiser, Tony Randall, suddenly becomes a great success at the advertising firm he works for by getting Jayne Mansfield to endorse a certain lipstick.It's basically the same old story that success in life isn't everything, especially when it interferes with the relationship of his true love.Other than being a sex object, Mansfield does little to nothing. Ditto for Joan Blondell, her assistant, who did have one funny line. When asked if she goes out on blind dates, she replied: "Only when I'm blind!" The line was appropriate since the film lacked vision and the break for a commercial was really inane.Veteran actor John Williams really changed his usual persona of a tough British officer by playing the head of the firm who finally gives in to his desire of being a horticulturalist.

bkoganbing One of the best and funniest satires that the movies ever had and really pushed the Code envelope is Frank Tashlin's Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter. For a biting look at America during the Eisenhower era, you can't go wrong looking at this very funny film.The title role is played by Tony Randall who in his effort to sew up a lipstick account with an endorsement from a Marilyn Monroe type film star gets himself innocently involved with her. And who would not want to be even innocently involved with Jayne Mansfield?Perhaps the biggest satire of the film is that of Monroe. She had just finished off her contract with 20th Century Fox and to the relief of Darryl F. Zanuck. Mansfield was waiting right in the wings to take her place. No doubt that Monroe had she still been with the studio would have done this film, but Jayne has a dead-on impersonation of Monroe and why not since she was being groomed as the next one.Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter takes dead aim on Americana of the era. Everything from our new addiction to television, to paradise in suburbia, to the cult of celebrity. As Randall becomes an icon himself as Mansfield's "Lover Doll" Henry Jones tells him what has talent got to do with being a success? Today's reality TV shows are living proof of that maxim.Frank Tashlin who was a cartoonist before doing live action films has a wonderful eye for imagery. That image of Tony Randall walking oblivious to all in traffic from the Knickerocker Hotel after his first encounter with Jayne Mansfield will stay with you forever. Yes, if you look at the background you'll see the sign hazily reading 'Knickerocker'. The film abounds with such gems, Tashlin yields nothing to Lubitsch when it comes to 'touch'.This is one gem of a motion picture, make this an absolute viewing must if it is broadcast.